Articles by Utopia Support

Aitutaki to get processing plant

Tuesday 12 July 2011 | Published in National

Aitutaki is to get its own noni processing plant courtesy of Reef Group and Reef Shipping. In parliament yesterday minister and Aitutaki representative Teina Bishop announced plans to expand the outer islands noni industry. Bishop says New Zealand-based Reef Group director Phillip McNicholl travelled with him to Aitutaki on Sunday. While there, the noni processing […]

Carr criticises Government over tax

Tuesday 12 July 2011 | Published in National

Former financial secretary Kevin Carr says the government has slipped up by not providing more information earlier on regarding its proposed 15 percent tax on interest accrued in the Cook Islands. In response to a request for comment, Carr said the government would have a tough time winning Cook Islanders over now that the public […]

Moving savings not disloyal

Tuesday 12 July 2011 | Published in Smoke Signals

Finance minister Mark Brown should be ashamed of himself for questioning the loyalty of people who have savings in Cook Islands banks and might have to move them elsewhere, a smoke signaller writes. They have worked here and paid their taxes. On retirement they get $400 a month government pension. Thats $92.30 a week. I […]

CI workers lazy

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Local

Cook Islanders are lazy compared to foreign workers, opposition leader Robert Wigmore says. He spoke in parliament on July 8 opposing comments made by other members of parliament that the reason foreign workers are favoured here is because they demand lower wages. I pay my imported workers according to the wages established. Wigmore says he […]

$5500 for diabetes patients

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Local

The Ministry of Health has received $5500 worth of insulin and equipment to help local patients control and manage diabetes. The medicine and medical equipment were donated by Insulin for Life (IFL) an Australian organisation dedicated to reaching out to poor patients in developing countries by providing and supporting a sustainable, equitable and accessible provision […]

New ship for CI

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Local

Reef Shipping has bought a larger cargo vessel in conjunction with Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) executive chairman Trevor Clarke. Prime Minister Henry Puna announced the news in parliament on Friday. Puna said he was told about the purchase on Thursday evening. Because we the Cook Islands are doing our part to deepen and extend […]

Home for at-risk youth planned

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Local

A group of concerned young people is determined to arrest burglary in the Cook Islands by building a home for at-risk youth. About a month ago, Ashley Wichman and some of her friends decided theyd had enough of reading in the papers about young Cook Islanders breaking into homes and stealing from tourists. They promptly […]

Rarotonga becoming a no-go zone?

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Its just sad to read about all the burglaries and breakins that are happening on Rarotonga especially at tourist accommodations. Actually, Im bringing two disabled adults who have saved for this trip for a visit during Constitution Week in a couple of weeks. I would hate our visit to be spoilt by such […]

Burglary news shocking

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am so shocked to read about the amount of burglaries happening in Rarotonga, especially to tourists. I grew up in Rarotonga for the first 14 years of my life before moving to New Zealand and I have never read so many stories about burglaries in one go. Our people must be struggling […]

Whats going on with the games?

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor I write in regards to the South Pacific (SPG) and Pacific Games (PG) sagas of eligibility. It is sad to see (as it was for the Pacific Games in Rarotonga in 2009) that some of our athletes were unable to represent their country due to the new charter that was decided upon in […]

Kata - July 11, 2011

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in Kata

Challenge to tackle killer diseases

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

To celebrate a year of shaping up Cook Islanders, Fitness Revolution will launch new and improved biggest loser mind and body challenge on July 25 which aims to battle the killer diseases of Pacific islanders obesity and diabetes. The 12 week challenge will focus on healthy eating, nutrition, exercise and ongoing maintenance. Obesity is a […]

Family law bill on hold

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

A proposed family law bill is on hold until the crimes act has been reviewed. During a session of parliament this week deputy opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen asked a question of government about the progress of the family law bill. Rasmussen says the bill is much needed to update current family law issues. Its very […]

Drugs accused remanded in custody once again

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

Operation Eagle defendant Faimau Robati remains remanded in custody at Arorangi prison. He is next due to appear in the Cook Islands High Court at Avarua on July 18. Robati appeared in the court before Justice of the Peace Bernice Manarangi on Thursday. Defence counsel Wilkie Rasmussen said he needs more time to discuss the […]

Man denies assaulting toddler and baby

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

A 33-year-old Tupapa consultant will defend two charges of assaulting his young children during a hearing before a Justice of the Peace on August 9. The man, who has continued interim name suppression until his hearing date, denies two charges of assaulting a toddler and baby at Tupapa on April 22. On Thursday he appeared […]

Speakers announced for tourism function

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

Speakers for this years tourism awards function have been announced. Bruce Parton, Air NZ manager for Australasia and Martin Snedden, Rugby World Cup chief executive, will be guest speakers on the November 11 gala night. Air New Zealand is honoured and proud to sponsor the awards which recognise excellence in the tourism industry and encourage […]

Workshop to tackle continental shelf claims

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

Three representatives from the Cook Islands will travel to Australia this week to further the countrys claims over new continental shelf territory. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) will host the maritime boundaries workshop in Sydney between July 11 and 18 to help the Cook Islands develop and defend its extended continental shelf claims […]

200 summit points approved

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

Cabinet has approved all but one of the recommendations made by the economic summit taskforce in a comprehensive report and will approve the other as soon as money is available. In parliament Ftriday Prime Minister Henry Puna praised the taskforce and its report which includes more than 200 recommendations to improve and grow the Cook […]

No bias in pearl support

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

A $3 million donor grant to the Pearl Authority was put in place by the last government, Prime Minister Henry Puna says. He responded on July 8 in parliament to criticism by fellow member of parliament Norman George about the money being allocated to expand the black pearl industry. George suggested there was a link […]

Atiu infrastructure work to begin

Monday 11 July 2011 | Published in National

Work on Atius airport will begin before the end of this year, minister and member of parliament Nandi Glassie says. Glassie made the announcement in parliament yesterday when answering a question from fellow MP Norman George. Tar sealing of the airport should begin before the end of this year and water reticulation projects have already […]